Although in the south of Spain we are used to eating it at any time of the year, it is true that in hot seasons a gazpacho or a fresh salmorejo is much more desirable. We are lucky to follow a Mediterranean diet, so good eating comes as standard.
As is the case with the potato tortilla with or without onion, the Spanish usually go head-to-head with gazpacho and salmorejo. Which is the best option? Are they fattening dishes? Can I buy it packaged? I answer all the questions you may have about these two delicious vegetable delicacies.
Gazpacho with cucumber vs salmorejo with ham
There will be those who do not know how they differ, since they practically contain the same ingredients. We could summarize it in that they are a kind of cold soup based on vegetables, and sometimes fruit.
El gazpacho It is the lightest option to take, since it is not necessary to add bread, and if we do, it should be in small quantities. In addition to tomato, garlic and extra virgin olive oil, pepper, vinegar and cucumber are also added; so it's a real revitalizing bomb.
Instead, gazpacho It is a denser cream due to its higher bread content. Compared to the gazpacho, it does not have peppers or cucumbers, but small pieces of ham and hard-boiled eggs are added; being an interesting bet in protein.
Both options are spectacular nutritionally, although I personally enjoy gazpacho much more as it is much lighter to drink.
Gazpacho or salmorejo... but from the supermarket?
"I don't have time", "I don't handle quantities well", "I don't get as good as the packaged ones"...
If you are one of those who makes any excuse to buy a bottled gazpacho or salmorejo, pay attention!
It is true that there are none like our grandmother's, and that is why you may be reluctant to try vegetable soups in any bar. Much worse is that you have become fond of buying them in the supermarket, believing that they are "healthy" and without looking at the nutritional labeling.
For some time there has been a wide offer in supermarkets, but it will never be as natural as a homemade one. Although they contain the same ingredients, you should look at the type of oil that they use (if it is sunflower, outside), the amount of salt and water.
Even if they have a good vegetable content, what is the use of drinking too much sugar or salt?
And no, they don't get fat
«I don't drink salmorejo because it makes you fat«But you do have a soft drink at every meal. There is no relationship with gaining weight if we eat gazpacho or salmorejo, in fact they will keep you nourished quite well.
Logically, gazpacho is not water, so if you are thirsty do not drink a liter of this food. Everything in its proper measure.